What to Know
- Firefighter Michael Bernstein died after becoming ill while on duty at Engine 78 at Philadelphia International Airport.
- Bernstein was a married father of 3 who served 22 years with the Philadelphia Fire Department.
- Mayor Jim Kenney called for City of Philadelphia flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days in Bernstein's memory.
A veteran Philadelphia firefighter has died after suffering a medical emergency while on duty with the engine company assigned to Philadelphia International Airport.
Firefighter Michael Bernstein died at the hospital around 1:50 Wednesday morning after being found unresponsive while on duty at Engine 78, "C" Platoon at PHL, the fire department and fire union said. He was 46.
Fellow firefighters found Bernstein and administered CPR after he failed to respond to an assignment in the terminal early Wednesday, Philadelphia Firefighters Union Local 22 said.
Bernstein served at various fire companies over his 22-year career with the Philadelphia Fire Department. He is survived by a wife and three children.
Mayor Jim Kenney remembered Bernstein as a dedicated public servant and ordered all City of Philadelphia flags to be flown at half-staff for the next 30 days.
“Michael bravely served our city for 22 years and served our country in the U.S. Navy,” Kenney said. “We are humbled by his dedication, and we will always remember his sacrifice. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters.”
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PHL CEO Chellie Cameron also sent sympathies to Bernstein’s family and colleagues.
“Each emergency responder stationed at the Airport is a part of our family, and we stand by to support our colleagues during this time of loss,” Cameron said.
Funeral arrangement are pending.
